Lens main body for a lens, outer housing for a lens, lens system and lens assembly

ABSTRACT

A lens main body includes an inner housing, a lens element mounted on the inner housing, an adjustable functional element mounted on the inner housing, and an electrical drive arranged on the inner housing to adjust the functional element, a controller arranged on the inner housing, a securing device configured to reversibly receive an outer housing extending around the inner housing in a tubular fashion, and a first signal interface to receive control signals for the controller, arranged on the inner housing, and configured to reversibly couple to a mating interface of the outer housing. An outer housing for the lens main body, and a lens formed from the lens main body and the outer housing have an altered functional scope vis-à-vis the lens main body. In addition, a lens assembly includes, besides the lens main body, two outer housings having a different functional scope.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/517,596 filed on Jul. 20, 2019, claimingpriority from German application 10 2018 212 119.2, filed Jul. 20, 2018,and the entire content of these applications is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a lens main body for a lens. Furthermore, thedisclosure relates to an outer housing for a lens, in particular a lensincluding such a lens main body. In addition, the disclosure relates toa lens formed by the lens main body and the outer housing, and to a lensassembly.

BACKGROUND

A lens is usually understood to mean a set (i.e., a group) of opticallens elements which are arranged successively along an optical axis(i.e., along a direction of propagation of an incident light ray) toimage an object onto an optically sensitive surface. In modern cameras,the optically sensitive surface is normally a “detector chip” forexample a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor or the like. In order to permitsharp imaging of the object onto the optically sensitive surface, evenwhen the distance to the lens varies, one of the lens elements (alsoreferred to as the “focus lens element”) is typically mounted so that itcan be moved along the optical axis for so-called focusing. In order tobe able to change the focal length of the entire lens, for example, atleast one other lens element (also referred to as “zoom lens element”)can often be arranged so that it can be moved. Furthermore, lensesusually also include a diaphragm, by which the diameter of the diaphragmopening (also referred to as the aperture), i.e., the diameter of thebeam path through the lens, can be altered in order to be able toregulate the amount of light impinging on the image plane. Optionally,an iris diaphragm may additionally be provided as well. An adjustment ofthe respective lens element and optionally also of the diaphragm isoften carried out here by way of so-called rotary rings (also referredto as “handwheels” or “actuating rings”) on a housing carrying the lenselements. In this case, said rotary rings transform a rotary movementinto a longitudinal movement of the respective lens element by way of alink guide or curved guide. In modern lenses, some of the moveablecomponents described above (in particular the focus lens element and thediaphragm) are typically (also) adjustable by an electric motor.

Particularly in the case of cameras for film recordings, referred tohereinafter as “film cameras” for short, it is known to mount thesecameras on a stand in order for example to enable particularly steady(i.e., blur-free) film recordings and/or to be able to bring the filmcamera for example on a cranelike carrier to a viewing angle which isvirtually impossible to achieve, or is achievable only with considerableoutlay, with manual operation of the respective film camera. In thelatter case, in particular, adjusting the focus and/or the magnification(i.e., the focal length) requires the use of external, often remotelycontrolled (wired or radio-based) drives (in particular an electricmotor with a gear mechanism connected downstream) that engage on theexterior of the respective rotary rings of the lens. Depending on thecomplexity of the lens used and/or the settings to be carried out, thisgives rise in part to particularly voluminous structures which exceed bya multiple the structural space occupied by the camera itself and theassigned lens. Furthermore, recently use has often been made of (flying)drones, too, which can manipulate the respective camera particularlyflexibly in relation to the objects (articles) to be recorded. In such acase, however, it is recognized that a structure of the type describedabove is usually a hindrance since the respective drone may be unable tocarry the weight of the entire structure.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the disclosure to enable a lens for a camera with aparticularly wide range of deployment.

The object is achieved by a lens main body for a lens, an outer housing,a lens, and a lens assembly as described herein.

The lens main body according to an aspect of the disclosure forms a partof a lens which serves for use with a camera, in particular a filmcamera. The lens main body includes an inner housing and typically alsoat least one lens element mounted on the inner housing. Furthermore, thelens main body includes at least one adjustable functional elementarranged on the inner housing. The lens main body also includes acontroller arranged on the inner housing. Furthermore, the lens mainbody includes a securing device configured to reversibly receive anouter housing extending around the inner housing (in the intended finalmounting state) in a tubular fashion. Moreover, the lens main bodyincludes a first signal interface for receiving and/or transmittingsignals (e.g., control signals) for or from the controller, said firstsignal interface being arranged on the inner housing. In this case, saidfirst signal interface is configured to reversibly couple to a matinginterface of the outer housing (i.e., a mating interface arranged on theouter housing). The controller additionally has a first number offunctions, which are typically selectable and/or retrievable via thefirst signal interface (and thus by the mating interface arranged on theouter housing).

The term “adjustable functional element” is understood to mean, inparticular, an element which, depending on its actuating position, has avarying influence on the light (beam) that has passed through anentrance pupil of the lens main body and optionally also through the atleast one lens element. Such an adjustable functional element thustypically serves for the targeted variation of the image projected bythe lens formed with the lens main body.

The terms “reversibly receiving” or “reversibly coupling” are understoodto mean that the securing device and the first signal interface,respectively, are embodied in such a way that the connection to theouter housing and to the mating interface, respectively, can be made andalso released again particularly simply and expediently by a user of thelens main body (and thus also of the lens including the lens mainbody)—i.e., not by trained specialist personnel of the (lens)manufacturer, for example. In other words, the securing device and thefirst signal interface are configured for simple and repeated connectionto the outer housing and the mating interface thereof, respectively. Asa result, the securing device and the first signal interface aredifferentiated from connection means which can indeed be released, inprinciple, but are subject to a high risk of damage to signal lines andthe like in the absence of technically provisioned action.

The term “extending around in a tubular fashion” is understood to meanthat in the intended mounting state the outer housing at least partlyencloses the inner housing along the longitudinal extent thereof runningin the direction of an optical axis of the lens element or all the lenselements. Expediently, at least the beam path extending along theoptical axis of the lens element or the optional plurality of lenselements is free (i.e., not delimited by the outer housing). Inparticular, the outer housing is thus differentiated from an additionalhousing that is attachable to the inner housing in particular onlylaterally and/or (in particular as viewed in the circumferentialdirection around the optical axis) regionally. Typically, in this casethe outer housing is embodied in a circular-cylindrical fashion at leastin sections. Expediently, the outer housing specifically forms a kind of“cover” for the inner housing, by which typically the components (i.e.,the or the respective drive, the controller, and the signal interface,etc.) arranged (in particular on the exterior) on the inner housing areprotected against mechanical influence and/or other environmentalinfluences (e.g., contamination).

The term “function” is understood to mean both a selectable, actualactivity of the (in particular entire) lens—e.g., an adjustment of therespective functional element—and an information or data exchangedirected, e.g., to optical data that are characteristic of the lens. Inparticular, however, in both cases signals are exchanged between thecontroller and the outer housing. A function of the lens is thus formedboth by an effect on the recorded image (in particular on account of theadjustment of the functional element) and by a data exchange.

The controller, which can also be referred to as control unit, isembodied for example as a non-programmable electronic circuit.Alternatively, the controller is formed by a microcontroller having aprocessor and a data memory on which the functionality for selecting therespective function is implemented by software.

In principle, the first signal interface can be configured only forunidirectional communication (that is to say for transmitting orreceiving signals). Typically, however, the first signal interface (andcorrespondingly also the mating interface) is configured forbidirectional communication, i.e., for receiving and for transmittingsignals, that is to say for exchanging signals.

By virtue of the fact that the inner housing of the lens main bodyincludes the securing device for reversibly receiving the outer housing,and also the first signal interface configured for reversibly couplingto the mating interface, this enables the outer housing to be changedparticularly simply. Furthermore, this advantageously also makes itpossible that different outer housings which select and/or retrieve ineach case different groups (numbers or combinations) of the functionsprovided by the controller can optionally be mounted on the innerhousing. Consequently, the respective mounted outer housing or outerhousing to be mounted is optionally chosen from a plurality of outerhousings each having a different functional scope. Correspondingly, inparticular, the lens main body is also configured for exchangingdifferent outer housings (typically having a different functionalscope). As a result, in particular for different applications, arespectively “matching” (overall) lens (also referred to as lens system)can be assembled in a simple manner. Lenses which are respectivelyadapted to a specific application at the factory and have a housingfixedly assigned by the manufacturer—e.g., particularly lightweightlenses, which thus require a comparatively high cost investment on thepart of the user who would like to be able to cover a plurality ofapplications, can thus be obviated.

In one exemplary embodiment, the lens main body includes at least one(and optionally electrical) drive arranged on the inner housing andserving for adjusting the functional element or at least one of theoptional plurality of adjustable functional elements. Typically, in thecase of a plurality of adjustable functional elements, each of theseadjustable functional elements is respectively assigned an in particularelectrical drive. In particular in the case of the electrical drive(e.g., a stepper motor, a bow drive, a micro drive, an ultrasonic motor,a piezomotor, or the like), the controller described above is typicallyconfigured and provided at least for controlling the or the respectiveelectrical drive.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the functional element is formed byan element selected from the group of in particular adjustable lenselements, diaphragms, (in particular optical) filters, and/or opticalfreeform elements. An optical freeform element is understood to mean, inparticular, not only lens elements having a freeform surface but also,e.g., a mirror or a combination of a mirror and a lens element.Optionally, a plurality of adjustable functional elements are present,which are formed by different elements from the above group.

Typically for the case where the adjustable functional element or one ofthe optional plurality of adjustable functional elements is formed by atleast one lens element, the latter is embodied such that it isadjustable in particular axially, i.e., along the optical axis(typically also reversibly). In this case, the (in particularelectrical) drive (or one of the optional plurality of drives) servesfor axially adjusting the lens element or at least one of the optionalplurality of axially adjustable lens elements and is designated herespecifically as “lens element drive”. Typically, in the case of aplurality of axially adjustable lens elements, typically each of theseaxially adjustable lens elements is respectively assigned an electricallens element drive.

Optionally, the adjustable functional element, in particular theadjustable lens element, or one of the optional plurality of adjustablefunctional elements is adjustable transversely or rotationally withrespect to the optical axis, in particular in order to enable an imagestabilization during intended operation. In this case, the assigneddrive is expediently embodied in an electrical fashion.

Typically, as an alternative or in addition to the adjustable lenselement, as an (optionally further) adjustable functional element, thelens main body also includes the diaphragm mentioned above, which istypically embodied such that it is electrically (“automatically”)adjustable and which serves for altering the diameter of the diaphragmopening, also designated as aperture. Expediently, the lens main bodyalso includes an assigned drive for adjusting the diaphragm, which drivein this case is also designated as “diaphragm drive”.

The abovementioned filter which alternatively or optionally additionallyforms the functional element or optionally one of the functionalelements is optionally a filter “introducible” into the beam path todifferent extents (e.g., a “neutral density filter”, for short: NDfilter), an optical soft-focus lens element, or the like.

Typically, the lens main body includes a plurality of lens elements, atleast one of which also is mounted on the inner housing in a stationaryfashion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the inner housing of the lens main body isembodied in such a way that it encapsulates the respective adjustablefunctional element, that is to say, e.g., the lens element or therespective lens element, and typically also other functional elementsoptionally present, in particular against contamination, i.e., typicallyagainst dust, optionally also against moisture (in particular airhumidity). This makes it possible in combination with the simpleexchangeability of the outer housing, during mounting or changing of theouter housing, to reduce the risk of contaminants, in particular dust,penetrating into the beam path within the lens main body, i.e., withinthe inner housing and/or between the optional plurality of lenselements. That is to say that during mounting and/or changing of theouter housing, there is no need to satisfy “clean room conditions” or atleast conditions with reduced occurrence of dust. In particular, suchchanging and/or such mounting can be carried out in a typically dry areawith normal atmosphere (on a film set for example in a tent, a car, oran at least wind-protected area).

In one exemplary embodiment, the securing device includes a holdingmechanism configured and provided for the toolless mounting of therespective outer housing. By way of example, the securing device in thiscase includes a part of a bayonet catch—wherein the respective outerhousing bears the corresponding counterpart, a detent pawl (or: catchhook) mechanism, wherein the outer housing is pushed onto the innerhousing and clipped (or “hooked”) with the detent pawl or the catchhook. The corresponding counterpart, i.e., the detent pawl or the catchhook itself, or a corresponding cutout or a projection, into or behindwhich the detent pawl or the catch hook engages as intended, istypically arranged on the outer housing in this case. Alternatively, theholding mechanism is formed for example by a mounting thread arranged onthe inner housing and extending around the optical axis, in particular,with an assigned mounting ring—i.e., a type of nut. In this case, formounting purposes, the outer housing is pushed onto the inner housing,typically as far as a stop, and is subsequently clamped (“tightened”)against the stop with the mounting ring placed onto the mounting thread.The simple mountability of the outer housing is promoted further by sucha toolless holding mechanism.

In one exemplary embodiment, the holding mechanism—in particular in thecase of the bayonet catch or the detent pawl (or: catch hook) mechanism,has a bar, knob or the like that can be used to unlock the bayonet catchor the detent pawl or the catch hook for the purpose of demounting. Inthis case, said bar or knob is arranged on the inner housing oralternatively on the outer housing.

In one optional, alternative exemplary embodiment, the securing deviceincludes a plurality of screw joints that can be used to secure theouter housing to the inner housing by a respective screw (and thus usinga tool). Typically, the number of securing screws is reduced here bycomparison with a conventional lens (e.g., to 2 or 3 to 5 screws), suchthat sufficiently simple mounting is still possible. Typically, saidsecuring screws are arranged in an easily accessible manner even foruntrained personnel.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the securing device includes apositioning aid for the rotational orientation of the outer housingrelative to the inner housing (i.e., for predefining the rotary positionof the outer housing about the optical axis). In this case, thepositioning aid is one or a plurality of guide rails, for example, whichcooperate with a complementarily embodied counterpart arranged on theouter housing. The guide rail is in turn a guide groove, for example,into which a web or pin arranged on the outer housing engages ascomplementary counterpart. Alternatively, the guide rail is a web (inparticular a strip typically extended longitudinally with respect to theoptical axis and projecting radially) which cooperates as intended witha corresponding groove or depression in the outer housing duringmounting. During the mounting of the outer housing on the inner housing,this makes it possible in a simple manner that the securing deviceand/or the first signal interface can be brought respectively forcoupling with the corresponding mating interface without additionalmounting outlay (in particular without further assistance on the part ofthe user).

In one exemplary embodiment, the positioning aid is typically configuredto predefine a mounting of the outer housing (on the inner housing) in afirst or at least one second predefined orientation with respect to theinner housing. In other words, the positioning aid (optionally incooperation with the corresponding counterpart of the outer housing)predefines at least two orientations or positionings of the outerhousing around the optical axis of the inner housing. This is expedientparticularly for the case where in some cases of use of the lens mountedon a camera, there is a lack of readability of scales (i.e.,inscriptions) or optionally of a display arranged on the outer housingfor example on account of attachment parts or carrier systems for thecamera. In this case, the outer housing can advantageously be mounted onthe inner housing in at least one second orientation turned rotationallyrelative to the first predefined orientation. Typically, the first andthe at least second predefined orientation are offset with respect toone another by 45° to 135°, in particular by about (i.e., exactly orapproximately) 90°.

For the case where, as described above, the positioning aid makespossible at least two orientations of the outer housing on the innerhousing which are turned rotationally relative to one another, in oneparticularly exemplary embodiment, the inner housing has at least onesecond signal interface assigned to the second orientation. This isexpedient in particular for the case where the (first) signal interfaceand the corresponding mating interface are electrical contacts. In thiscase, therefore, during appropriately turned mounting of the outerhousing on the inner housing, the mating interface can be brought intoelectrical contact with the second signal interface. In the mountingcase where the outer housing is arranged on the inner housing in thesecond predefined orientation, the mating interface is thus coupled tothe second signal interface. In one alternative exemplary embodimentthat is likewise conceivable within the scope of the disclosure, theinner housing has only the first signal interface and the outer housingincludes a second mating interface assigned correspondingly to thesecond orientation, said second mating interface being coupled to thefirst signal interface of the inner housing during turned arrangement ofan outer housing.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the second signal interfacedescribed above, the first signal interface is expediently embodied as acontinuously variable interface. By said continuously variableinterface, the mating interface of the outer housing is couplable inthis case in particular in an arbitrary rotational orientation of theouter housing relative to the inner housing. By way of example, thefirst signal interface is formed in this case by at least one slidingcontact or slipring, in particular a plurality of sliding contacts orsliprings arranged alongside one another. In this case, the matinginterface is formed in particular by at least one corresponding matingcontact typically embodied in the manner of a brush, in particular by anumber of mating contacts corresponding to the number of slidingcontacts or sliprings. Likewise within the scope of the disclosure, inan alternative exemplary embodiment, the first signal interface isembodied in a brush-like fashion and the mating interface is embodied inthe manner of sliding contacts or sliprings. As a result, thepositioning aid can optionally be obviated since an intended contactingbetween the first signal interface and the mating interface isadvantageously made possible in all rotational positions (at least inthe length of the sliprings).

In one exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to output aposition variable that is characteristic of an actuating position of theor the respective functional element, e.g., of the or the respectivelens element along the optical axis and/or the diaphragm (i.e., theopening diameter thereof), and to transmit said position variable to themating interface in particular by the first and/or the optionallypresent second signal interface, as a function. For the case where thefunctional element is an adjustable lens element, specifically a focuslens element, the position variable in this case typically reflects thefocus position. For the case where the adjustable lens element is a“zoom lens element” (i.e., a lens element for varying the focal length),the assigned position variable reflects in particular a currently setzoom value, a focal length, or the like. For the case where the positionvariable is assigned to the currently set diaphragm opening, theposition variable reflects in particular a so-called “f-number” (whichis in turn linked to the focal length of the overall optical system).For the case where the functional element is an ND filter, the positionvariable indicates to what extent the ND filter projects into the beampath. The term “characteristic” is thus understood here and hereinafterin particular to the effect that the position variable includesquantitative information about the actuating position of the functionalelement, e.g., of the respective lens element along the optical axisand/or the diaphragm, such that the actuating position, e.g., theoptical setting resulting therefrom, can be read unambiguously from thisvariable. In this case, the position variable can directly indicate theactuating position of the functional element, that is to say, e.g., theactuating position of the respective lens element—in particular thedistance from an image plane—or the diameter of the diaphragm opening.Alternatively, however, the position variable is a variable which isdirectly or indirectly proportional to the actuating position (e.g., thedistance between the lens element and the image plane) or is in anon-linear, for example a logarithmic, exponential, or polynomial (thatis to say quadratic, cubic, etc.), relationship with said actuatingposition. By way of example, the position variable is specifically thefocal length or “distance setting” resulting from the actuating positionof the respective lens element. Further examples of information conveyedby the position variable are a so-called “hyperfocal distance”, ahorizontal field of view in degrees, position of the entrance pupil,near and far field and the like.

In order to detect the actuating position of the respective functionalelement, e.g., of the respective lens element or the diaphragm, in oneexemplary development, the lens typically includes a positionencoder—e.g., a displacement sensor (typically effecting absolutemeasurement)—which outputs (in particular to the controller) ameasurement signal corresponding to the actuating position.Alternatively, the controller is configured to calculate the currentactuating position from a motor characteristic variable (e.g., a numberof revolutions) of the respective drive for the respective functionalelement.

In one exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to transmitidentification data to the mating interface and/or to receiveidentification data from said mating interface, in particular by thefirst and/or the optionally present second signal interface, as(optionally further) function. The identification data are typicallydata which make possible an unambiguous identification of at least thetype of the lens main body and/or of the outer housing. In this case,the identification data includes, for example, a serial number of thelens main body and/or of the outer housing. Furthermore, in particularidentification data transmitted by the lens main body, i.e., by thecontroller, includes information about the focal length (in particularthe available focal length range), about the available diaphragmdiameters (f-numbers) and/or optionally about a calibration of the lenselement system. Such calibration information items (or “data”) containfor example information concerning the relationship between the purelymechanical actuating travel (i.e., the sequence of the individualactuating positions) and the variation of the focal length and/or of thefocus position that actually results therefrom. In this case, saidrelationship is usually individually different for each lens main body,specifically for each lens element system. As a result, it is possible(in particular on the part of the outer housing) to carry out acoordination (or a referencing) of actuating commands, transmitted tothe controller from the outer housing, to the calibration of the drivesof the lens elements. In the context of such a coordination, optionallythe entire actuating travel of the lens elements is gone through(referred to as “calibration pass”) and the respective end positions(actuating positions at the respective end of the actuating travel) arecommunicated to the outer housing, such that the actual actuatingposition of the respective lens element is known for each actuatingposition predefined by the outer housing in the context of the actuatingcommand. Particularly typically, the respective functional element, inparticular position sensor assigned to the or the respective adjustablelens element, is a sensor effecting absolute measurement, which sensorcan thus output information about the current actuating position of thefunctional element or of the respective lens element at any point intime. In this case, said current actuating position is also communicatedto the outer housing. A calibration pass can be omitted in this case.Moreover, the identification data transmitted on the part of the outerhousing or the mating interface are, in particular, information aboutthe functions encompassed by the outer housing. This is expedient inparticular since in this regard, for example, some functions can beswitched off on the part of the lens main body or the controller inorder to reduce the energy consumption.

In one exemplary embodiment, the lens main body, typically thecontroller, includes an identification device configured to evaluate theidentification data transmitted by the outer housing and thus toidentify the optionally mounted outer housing and in particular also thefunctional scope thereof. As already described, the identifiedfunctional scope is utilized on the part of the controller in order toswitch off (to deactivate) functions not encompassed by the outerhousing. Typically, the or the respective outer housing also includes acorresponding identification device in order to be able to unambiguouslyidentify the lens main body (currently) accommodated in the outerhousing.

In one alternative exemplary embodiment, the calibration data describedabove are transmitted (and the calibration pass described above istypically carried out) independently of the identification datadescribed above in particular in the context of a (typically separate,e.g., user-initiated) calibration (or else: “referencing”) of thecurrently mounted outer housing.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured tooutput actuating-position-related lens element data and typically totransmit the data to the mating interface via the first and/or theoptionally present second signal interface, as (typically additional)function. Said actuating-position-related lens element data aretypically information concerning optical aberrations that are regularlyvirtually unavoidable in optical systems, such as, e.g., vignetting,distortion, chromatic aberration, and the like. In this case, theseaberrations are regularly dependent on the actuating position of the orthe respective lens element and thus vary during an adjustment of the orthe respective lens element.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first and also the optionally presentsecond signal interface (in particular optionally all further signalinterfaces) include electrical contacts. In this case, the electricalcontacts are advantageously a robust and easily implemented type ofcontact suitable for reversible contacting. By way of example, thecontacts are embodied as spring contacts or plug contacts whichcooperate with a respectively corresponding mating contact (inparticular a spring contact or a male or female plug contact) assignedto the mating interface. Alternatively, it is also possible to useso-called contact blades (also referred to as “blade contacts”) whichintermesh with their counterparts in a comblike fashion.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the first and the optionallypresent second signal interface—and correspondingly also the matinginterface—are embodied as a wireless interface. By way of example, therespective signal interface includes an optical transmitting and/orreceiving element configured for cooperating with a correspondinglyconfigured element of the outer housing. By way of example, in thiscase, data transmission is effected in the infrared range.Alternatively, the data transmission is effected by inductivetransmission techniques or transmission techniques established in thefield of radio-frequency engineering (for example “near fieldcommunication”). Particularly in the latter case, the second signalinterface on the inner housing can be obviated since there is no needfor direct contact or direct juxtaposition of the respective signalinterface and the mating interface.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the first and the optionally presentsecond signal interface are configured for the energy supply of theouter housing, in particular of the electronic components arranged onthe outer housing. In this case, the energy transfer from the firstand/or the second signal interface to the mating interface is typicallyeffected in addition to and independently of the (data) signal exchangebetween the or the respective signal interface and the mating interface.Particularly for the case where the first and optionally the secondsignal interface are embodied for wireless communication, an additional(electrical) energy supply interface is arranged on the inner housing(and expediently also on the outer housing). Alternatively, the energysupply of the outer housing can also be effected by inductive energytransfer from the inner housing to the outer housing.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the lens main body includes, inaddition to the first and the optionally present second signalinterface, a radio receiver configured to receive remote controlcommands wirelessly transmitted in particular separately from the outerhousing (i.e., from a separate external apparatus). In this case, saidradio receiver is typically arranged on the inner housing. The radioreceiver is additionally configured for transmitting (i.e. forwarding)the remote control commands to the controller and is optionallyintegrated into the latter. Optionally, the radio receiver together witha transmitter forms a radio module configured for bidirectional radiooperation (i.e. also for the wireless transmission of signals, inparticular data from the controller to the external apparatus). The lensmain body is thus configured—even without a mounted outer housing—forremote control operation. In this case, it is possible to use aparticularly lightweight outer housing, constituting in particular onlyan outer enclosure without electrical functions. This is in turnparticularly expedient for example for operating the camera and the lenson a drone. In this case, the possibility for remote operator control byradio constitutes in particular a further function of the lens.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the controller is typicallyconfigured to exchange dimensionless and/or dimensional information inparticular optionally in different unit systems, typically in the metricor Anglo-American unit system. Optionally, the controller is alsoconfigured to output this information optionally in different languages.This—optionally additional—function is expedient in particular for thecase where the outer housing has a display for displaying thecorresponding information. In this case, the information is, inparticular, the abovementioned position variable of the functionalelement, i.e., of the or the respective lens element, which in this caseis optionally output in meters or in feet, or of the diaphragm.Typically, in this case, the controller is additionally configured tocarry out the conversion between metric and Anglo-American unit systemsautomatically, in particular, on the basis of the exchangedidentification data. By way of example, in this case, the identificationdata optionally transmitted by the outer housing contain informationabout the unit system used by the outer housing. A conversion betweenthe two unit systems is thus typically effected on the part of the lensmain body, specifically the controller. Consequently, without additionaloutlay, the lens main body can also be used with different outerhousings “working” in particular on the basis of different unit systems.By way of example, it is conceivable that an outer housing that uses theAnglo-American unit system is offered only on the North American marketbut a purchaser of this outer housing would also like to use it with alens main body procured in Europe, for example. In particular, afactory-implemented invariable predefinition and tuning of the lens mainbody, specifically of the controller, to one of the unit systems canthus also be obviated, with the result that manufacturing outlay fordifferent international markets can be obviated. In this case, thelanguage in which the information mentioned above is output is typicallyselectable (e.g., pre-settable in so-called basic settings) in thecontext of a kind of “operating language” of the lens main body, inparticular of the lens formed therewith, by a user.

In one exemplary embodiment, the lens main body includes a camerainterface arranged in particular on the inner housing and serving inparticular for communication with a camera on which the lens is mountedin the intended operating state. In this case, said camera interface isconfigured and provided in particular for exchanging information and forexchanging control commands (for example for adjusting a focus lenselement, i.e., for focusing, and/or for adjusting the diaphragm). Saidcamera interface is alternatively or typically additionally alsoconfigured for receiving operating energy in particular for the(typically electrical) drive of the respective functional element, e.g.,of the lens elements (for short: lens element drives), the optionallypresent position encoder and/or the controller, and typically also forthe outer housing.

Typically, the lens main body also includes a connection device (alsocalled: “coupling device” or “coupling”), e.g., a part of a bayonetcatch, for reversible, mechanical connection to a camera.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the lens main body includes an energysupply connection arranged in particular on the inner housing andconfigured for receiving (operating) energy for the respective(typically electrical) drive of the functional element (e.g., the lenselement drives, the diaphragm drive, or the like) and/or for thecontroller from an external—i.e., in particular separate from acamera—energy supply unit. This is expedient in particular for the casewhere the camera to be connected to the lens does not have an interfacefor the energy supply of the lens or the power of the camera isinsufficient.

Typically, the lens main body also includes a communication connection(also called: data interface) for communication (also called: dataexchange) with an external apparatus. Optionally, in this case, saidcommunication connection is integrated into the energy supplyconnection, such that from an external control apparatus, for example,both energy and control commands (and also further data) can betransmitted via this common connection.

The disclosure also relates to the outer housing for the lens main bodydescribed above. In this case, in the state mounted on the lens mainbody, the outer housing together with the latter forms a lens. In thiscase, the outer housing includes securing means configured forreversible securing to the inner housing of the lens main body, inparticular for cooperation with the securing device of the innerhousing. The securing means are thus specifically the complementarycounterparts of the holding mechanism described above, in particular ofthe bayonet catch, of the detent pawl or catch hook mechanism or thelike.

Typically, the outer housing also includes the above-described matinginterface (optionally also two mating interfaces) configured andprovided for reversible (signal-transmission-technological andoptionally energy-transmission-technological) coupling to the first oroptionally present second signal interface.

With further preference, the outer housing includes an operator controlelement for inputting the actuating command for the respectivefunctional element.

In one exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes, as such anoperator control element, at least one rotary ring configured andprovided for adjusting the functional element or at least one of theoptional plurality of functional elements (e.g., for axially adjustingthe lens element or one of the optional plurality of lens elementsand/or for adjusting the optionally present diaphragm). In this case,the rotary ring is typically coupled to a rotary position encoder, forexample an absolute value encoder, wherein said rotary position encoderis configured for generating the actuating command for the controllerarranged on the inner housing of the lens main body. In this case, therotary position encoder is typically in turn coupled to amicrocontroller arranged on the outer housing, by which microcontrollerthe signal output by the rotary position encoder is conditioned (e.g.,translated into the data transmission protocol of the controller of thelens main body) and output as an actuating command to the controller ofthe lens main body. For the longitudinal adjustment of the or therespective lens element, therefore, there is no mechanical forcetransmission between the rotary ring and the respective lens element.Rather, the turning carried out at the rotary ring is converted into anelectrical actuating signal, in particular the actuating commandmentioned above, and is communicated via the mating interface present inthis case and also the first and/or second signal interface of the innerhousing to the controller there. In this case, in one exemplaryembodiment, the exterior of the rotary ring is embodied such that it issubstantially smooth—i.e., without surface structures introduced fromthe standpoint of production engineering and standing out against therest of the surface of the outer housing. Alternatively, a kind ofgrooving (e.g., a knurling or toothing) is applied on the outer side ofthe rotary ring and mediates a haptic effect known from conventionalmechanical lenses. Optionally, an external actuating drive for adjustingthe rotary ring and thus the respective functional element, e.g., the orthe respective lens element, can also engage on such grooving.

In an exemplary embodiment of the rotary ring mentioned above, atouchscreen or at least one touch-sensitive surface, a rotary knob,slide or the like, by which the actuating command described above can begenerated, is arranged on the outer side of the outer housing asoperator control element for the functional element.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes at leastone display configured in particular for displaying the informationcommunicated by the controller. Said information is optionally so-calledstatic information, e.g., the serial number of the lens main body, thediaphragm and focal length range and the like.

Typically, the information communicated by the controller and displayedby the display includes the position variable that is characteristic ofthe actuating position of the or the respective functional element,e.g., the or the respective lens element. This is expedient inparticular since the outer housing is configured to be changeable withrespect to the inner housing and, consequently, a calibration betweenthe optionally present rotary ring, rotary knob or the like and theactual adjustment of the or the respective lens element is notmaintained with sufficient certainty across a change of the outerhousing. Optionally, the controller of the inner housing is configured(as described above) to carry out, after each mounting of an (inparticular different) outer housing, a calibration, i.e., in particulara coordination or a referencing of the actuating commands communicatedby the outer housing and the actual adjustment of the or the respectivelens element. With a fixedly predefined scaling applied on the outerside of the outer housing, such a renewed calibration might not be takeninto consideration.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing has nomechanical stops for the end positions of the respective rotary ring. Inthis case, a referencing (calibration) of the respective rotary positionencoder is typically carried out by software and thus independently ofthe actual rotary position of said encoder. Consequently, a variableindication of the respective actuating position or the position variableor optionally a lens setting linked thereto by a display is particularlyexpedient.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes areceiving device for receiving remote control commands and also acommunicating device for communicating the remote control commands tothe mating interface and thus (in the intended mounting state) to thefirst and/or the second signal interface of the inner housing. In thiscase, the communicating device serves in particular for translating(i.e., transforming or converting) the received remote control commandsto the data transmission protocol used by the controller of the lensmain body. In this case, the receiving device is embodied as a radioreceiver and/or as a wired interface for the connection of a cable forremote operator control—which optionally serves for connecting a radiomodule to the outer housing. In this exemplary embodiment, the outerhousing typically does not include a rotary ring or other input devicefor manually inputting actuating commands. Typically, in this exemplaryembodiment, the outer housing is moreover produced from a particularlylightweight material, for example a fiber-reinforced plastic, typicallycarbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. As a result, the use weight of theentire lens system is advantageously reduced and is thus particularlysuitable for drone use. Furthermore, this exemplary embodiment isexpedient in particular for the case where the lens main body does notitself already have the radio receiver described above. Optionally, thereceiving device is part of a remote control interface (also referred toas radio module) configured for bidirectional communication, such thatsignals can also be transmitted, e.g., as a response to a receivedactuating command.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes a datainterface for data exchange with an external apparatus. This involves aprogramming or service interface (e.g., a computer, tablet orsmartphone, or a specifically designed programming apparatus) by whichthe controller of the lens main body can be accessed and/or which servesfor transmitting for example the above-described position variableand/or aberration data to an image processing apparatus (e.g., thecomputer, the tablet, the smartphone or the like). Said data interfaceis optionally additionally also configured to form the above-describedwired interface for connection to a radio receiver module for radioremote control of the lens. Furthermore, said data interface is alsoconfigured for transmitting energy to the outer housing or the overalllens.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes theabove-described identification unit for identifying the currentlymounted lens main body, specifically the identification data transmittedby the controller.

In an exemplary embodiment, the identification unit is configured toprocess, from a plurality of items of information provided on the partof the controller of the currently connected lens main body, only anumber of items of information corresponding to a functional scope ofthe outer housing. Typically, the controller of the lens main body isconfigured to transmit in particular all items of information,specifically including those concerning all available functions. In thiscase, the identification unit “picks” out only the items of informationwhich are assigned to the functions that are utilizable by the outerhousing. This results in comparatively simple communication between thelens main body and the outer housing. In particular, a so-calledhandshake can be obviated.

In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes mechanicalsecuring means for external attachment parts, e.g., for at least oneattachment lens element, a filter, a lens hood, a baffle or the like.Alternatively, the inner housing of the lens main body includes securingmeans of this type, such that the respective outer housing can be ofparticularly simple design.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes anintegrated lighting system, e.g., a so-called macro ring light for theareal and uniform illumination of an object at a particularly smalldistance (e.g., less than 1 meter, in particular less than 50centimeters) from the lens.

In one exemplary embodiment, the outer housing includes positioningmeans of the type described above which correspond to the positioningaid of the inner housing. That is to say that the outer housing includesfor example at least one groove into which engages the positioning aidof the inner housing embodied as a guide web (or, mutatis mutandis, aweb or projection which engages into a groove of the inner housing).

In a further exemplary embodiment, which also forms an independentdisclosure, the outer housing includes a typically boxlike housingtermination (in particular a housing chamber) which is shaped inparticular on the image side relative to the or the respective lenselement of the lens main body and in which an image sensor is arrangedtypically in an image plane of the lens (typically radially with respectto the optical axis). In this case, the lens main body accommodated inthe outer housing forms together with the outer housing an (inparticular autonomous) camera (also referred to as “camera module”).

In one exemplary embodiment, the first and the optionally present secondmating interface are configured for transmitting energy to the first andrespectively second signal interface of the lens main body. This isexpedient in particular for the case where the outer housing has theabove-described data interface configured for receiving energy for theoverall lens.

The (overall) lens according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure includes the lens main body described above and the outerhousing of the type described above. The outer housing here (inparticular in the intended mounting state) is connected or at leastconnectable reversibly to the inner housing of the lens main body.Typically, in the connected, intended mounting state of the lens, theoptionally present mating interface of the outer housing is also coupledreversibly to the first or the optionally present second signalinterface of the lens main body. The outer housing is furthermoreconfigured for the utilization of a second number of functions alteredvis-à-vis the first number of the functions provided by the controller.In particular, the lens includes, besides the lens main body describedabove, an outer housing having a reduced functional scope. In the lattercase, at least a portion of the functions provided by the controller ofthe lens is typically “blocked” or not selectable or retrievable by themounted outer housing.

The lens assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure includes thelens described above—i.e., the lens main body (including the innerhousing carrying the or the respective lens element)—and a first and asecond outer housing. In this case, the two outer housings are typicallyembodied in the manner described above and configured in each case forthe utilization of a different number of the functions provided by thecontroller. In other words, the two outer housings are in each caseouter housings “tailored” to a specific purpose of use and having adifferent number and/or combination of the features encompassed in theembodiments described above. By way of example, one of the two outerhousings includes the rotary ring described above and is thus configuredin particular for manual operator control of the lens. In this case, theother (second) outer housing includes only the receiving device forreceiving the remote control commands and is thus “optimized” forexample for operation on a drone.

The conjunction “and/or” should be understood here and hereinafter suchthat the features linked by this conjunction can be embodied bothjointly and as alternatives to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a lens main body for a lens in a sectionalview along an optical axis,

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the lens main body in accordance with FIG. 1 inperspective views,

FIG. 4 shows an outer housing for the lens main body in accordance withFIG. 1 in a further perspective view,

FIG. 5 shows the outer housing in accordance with FIG. 4 in aperspective sectional view along the optical axis,

FIG. 6 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the lens main bodyin a view in accordance with FIG. 3 ,

FIG. 7 shows, in a view in accordance with FIG. 6 , a lens formed withthe lens main body in accordance with FIG. 1 and the outer housing inaccordance with FIG. 4 ,

FIG. 8 shows the lens in accordance with FIG. 7 in a view in accordancewith FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged, perspective detail view of the outer housingin accordance with FIG. 8 ,

FIG. 10 shows a lens of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the outerhousing in a view in accordance with FIG. 3 ,

FIG. 11 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the outer housingin a view in accordance with FIG. 4 ,

FIG. 12 shows, in a side view, a camera with the lens in accordance withFIG. 7 and a remote control, and

FIGS. 13 and 14 show, in a perspective view and in a perspectivesectional view, a camera module including the lens main body and theouter housing in accordance with FIG. 10 .

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Mutually corresponding parts are always provided with identicalreference signs in all of the figures.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a lens main body 1 which, in an intended usestate, forms a part of a lens 2 (see FIG. 7 ) for a camera, specificallya film camera 3 (see, e.g., FIG. 12 ). In this case, the lens main body1 is specifically part of a modular lens assembly described in greaterdetail below. In this case, the lens main body 1 includes a plurality oflens elements 5 arranged along an optical axis 4. The lens 1additionally includes an inner housing 6, which holds the lens elements5 with their respective lens element plane oriented radially withrespect to the optical axis 4. In this case, two of the lens elements 5,namely a lens element 5 designated as “zoom lens element” (notillustrated in more specific detail) and a lens element 5 designated as“focus lens element” 7, are mounted on, specifically in, the innerhousing 6 displaceably along the optical axis 4 (cf. double-headed arrow8). The zoom lens element and the focus lens element 7 here form in eachcase an adjustable (optical) functional element.

For displacing the zoom lens element and the focus lens element 7, thelens main body 1 furthermore includes a respective assigned lens elementdrive 9 (only the lens element drive 9 for the focus lens element 7 isvisible in each of FIGS. 1 to 3 ). In this case, the lens element drive9 includes an electric motor 10 and a spindle drive 11, which convertsthe rotary movement of a shaft of the electric motor 10 into a linearmovement along the optical axis 4. In this case, the lens element drive9 is arranged on the exterior of the inner housing 6. During operation,the lens element drive 9 transmits an actuating force to the respectivelens element 5, specifically to the focus lens element 7. The lens mainbody 1 thus does not have a manually actuatable drive (e.g., link guidesmechanically coupled to rotary rings) for adjusting the respective lenselement 5 (specifically the focus lens element 7).

In an exemplary embodiment that is not illustrated, the lens elementdrive 9 is arranged within the inner housing 6.

In order, during the operation of the lens 2, to be able to control theamount of light passing through the lens element system formed by thelens elements 5, the lens main body 1 also includes an adjustablediaphragm 14. By the latter, the opening diameter of an aperture or(passage) “pupil” defined by the diaphragm can be varied. The diaphragm14 is adjusted by an electrical diaphragm drive 16. In this case, thediaphragm 14 likewise forms an adjustable functional element.

For the reversible coupling of the lens 2 to the film camera 3, the lensmain body 1 includes a coupling device, designated as “coupling 18”,which is arranged at the “image-side” end of the inner housing 6. Saidcoupling 18 constitutes one part of a bayonet catch, the other part ofwhich is arranged on the film camera 3.

The lens main body 1 additionally includes a control unit designated ascontroller 20 (illustrated schematically by a plurality of printedcircuit boards 21 arranged on the exterior of the inner housing 6). Inthis case, the controller 20 serves, inter alia, for driving the lenselement drives 9 and the diaphragm drive 16. In addition, besides theadjustment of the lens elements 5, further functions of the lens 2 areprovided by the controller 20 (described in greater detail below). Inthis case, the controller 20 can be addressed for initiating a specificfunction—that is to say specifically, e.g., for adjusting the focus lenselement 7 or the zoom lens element or the diaphragm 14—by a controlcommand (also called: actuating command). Furthermore, however, asfunctions, the controller 20 also provides respectively different itemsof information to an apparatus or module separate from the lens 2.

For receiving the control commands and/or for communicating theinformation, the lens main body 1 includes a signal interface 24arranged on the inner housing 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 3 ). Said signalinterface 24 is formed by a plurality of spring-mounted contact pins 25and is arranged on a flange collar 26 arranged at an “object-side” endregion of the lens main body 1. In this case, said signal interface 24is configured and provided for reversible, i.e., repeatedly producibleand releasable, (electrical) coupling to a mating interface 28. In thiscase, said mating interface 28 is arranged on an outer housing 30 forthe lens main body 1 (cf. FIG. 4 ) in a manner corresponding to thesignal interface 24.

The outer housing 30, in the state mounted on the lens main body 1,forms together with the latter the lens 2 mentioned above andconstitutes a module (separate from the lens main body 1 as discussedabove). In this case, the outer housing 30 encloses the inner housing 6in a tubular fashion, i.e., radially on the exterior, over a part of thelongitudinal extent thereof. The outer housing 30 and the lens main body1 are additionally configured and provided for reversible mounting onone another, i.e., the outer housing 30 on the lens main body 1,specifically on the inner housing 6 thereof. For this purpose, the innerhousing 6 includes a securing device 32 for reversibly mounting theouter housing 30. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 3 , the securing device 32 in this case includes a part of abayonet catch as a holding mechanism. Specifically, for this purpose, aplurality of incisions 36 are made in an image-side flange collar 34 ofthe lens main body 1 in a manner extending circumferentially in thecircumferential direction, corresponding radially inwardly projectingprojections 38 passing through said incisions during the mounting of theouter housing 30. A bayonet ring 39 is mounted downstream of the flangecollar 34 on the image side, said bayonet ring being rotatable in thecircumferential direction and serving for the bayonet-like locking ofthe projections 38 with the inner housing 6.

For the precision rotational orientation of the outer housing 30 withrespect to the inner housing 6 (i.e., with regard to a rotation aboutthe optical axis 4), the securing device 32 additionally also has apositioning aid, specifically a plurality (here: two) of fitting grooves40 distributed over the circumference and incorporated in theobject-side flange collar 26. In this case the outer housing 30 has twocomplementary projections 42 as corresponding positioning means, saidprojections intermeshing with the fitting grooves 40 of the innerhousing 6 as intended.

For mounting purposes, the outer housing 30 is pushed onto the innerhousing 6 from the object side—i.e. “from the front” or from the left asviewed in FIG. 1 —until the radially inwardly projecting projections 38pass through the incisions 36, and the outer housing 30 bears againstthe flange collars 26 and 34. For locking purposes, the bayonet ring 39is subsequently rotated. In a variant that is not illustrated, the outerhousing 30 has a mounting ring which is freely rotatable at least partly(e.g., by 45 degrees) relative to the rest of the housing body and onwhich the radially inwardly projecting projections 38 are arranged. Saidmounting ring is subsequently rotated such that the projections 38 arerotated away from the incisions 36 and thus engage behind the flangecollar 14 in a positively locking manner. Alternatively (likewise notillustrated), the entire outer housing 30 is rotated relative to theinner housing 6. In this case, the projections 42 of the outer housing30 are pushed through the corresponding fitting grooves 40 over theflange ring 26, such that the entire outer housing 30 can be rotated inthe circumferential direction for locking purposes in the manner of abayonet catch. Furthermore, the securing device 32 includes an arrester(not illustrated in more specific detail) which is used to preventunintentional rotation of the bayonet ring 39 or the projections 38relative to the flange collar 34 and which can be released fordemounting purposes.

In order, during intended operation on the film camera 3 (or some othercamera), also to enable a signal transmission, specifically acommunication (e.g., a bidirectional data exchange, reception ofactuating commands to the lens element drive 9 of the focus lens element7 and to the diaphragm drive 16) with the film camera 3, a furthersignal interface (also referred to as “camera interface 45”) is arrangedin the region of the coupling 18. Said interface is connected to thecontroller 20 from the technical standpoint of signal transmission.

The lens main body 1 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 in terms ofthe embodiment of the signal interface 24 and the securing device 32.The signal interface 24 here is formed by a plurality of bending springs44 arranged alongside one another in a comblike fashion and arranged soas to project from the image-side flange collar 34. For arresting theouter housing 30, the securing device 32 (i.e., the holding mechanismthereof) has a plurality of catch hooks (referred to as “snap-actionhooks 46”; only one is illustrated in FIG. 6 ) which engage on the outerhousing 30 on the inner side and likewise form a positively lockingconnection to the outer housing 30 during mounting. There is arranged onthe outer housing 30, in a manner not illustrated, a knob, lever or thelike which can be used to release the snap-action hooks 46 from theirconnection to the outer housing 30 for the purpose of demounting theouter housing 30 from the inner housing 6.

In the case of the lens 2 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the outerhousing 30 mounted on the inner housing 6 has two rotary rings 50serving respectively for adjusting the zoom lens element and the focuslens element 7. The two rotary rings 50 each have grooving applied onthe exterior in the manner of toothing in order to improve the hapticeffect and optionally to enable a coupling to an external actuatingdrive. In this case, however, the two rotary rings 50 are notmechanically coupled to the respective lens elements 5. Instead, theouter housing 30 has a respective rotary position encoder 52 (see FIGS.5, 8 and 9 ) for each of the rotary rings 50, said rotary positionencoder detecting a rotation of the respective rotary ring 50 byscanning a coding 53 (e.g., optical markings or fields havingalternating magnetic polarity; see FIG. 9 ) arranged on the respectiverotary ring 50 and converting said rotation into an electronic rotaryposition signal. By a translation unit (specifically an electroniccircuit or a microcontroller) arranged on the outer housing 30, saidrotary position signal is converted into the data transmission protocolused by the controller 20 and is transmitted to the signal interface 24of the inner housing 6 via the mating interface 28. The rotary positionsignal is forwarded by said signal interface to the controller 20 and isused by the latter as an actuating command for adjusting the respectivelens element 5. In an optional variant, one rotary ring 50 is configuredand provided for adjusting the focus lens element 7, and the otherrotary ring 50 for adjusting the diaphragm 14.

The outer housing 30 additionally has a display 54 for displayinginformation concerning current settings of the lens 2. By way ofexample, the currently chosen diaphragm position, the current chosenfocal length (zoom setting) or distance setting and the like aredisplayed on the display 54 during operation of the lens 2. In thiscase, the corresponding items of information are communicated as one ofthe abovementioned functions from the controller 20 of the lens mainbody 1 via the signal interface 24 to the outer housing 30, specificallyto the display 54. Furthermore, as function, fault data concerningoptical faults such as, e.g., aberrations and/or distortions occurringfor a specific lens element position, vignetting and the like are alsoprovided to the outer housing 30 by the controller 20. In the exemplaryembodiments illustrated, the outer housing 30 specifically has two datainterfaces 56 and 58, by which the outer housing 30 can communicate withan external apparatus, e.g., an image processing unit. Specifically, theouter housing 30 passes on the information described above to saidapparatus. Furthermore, at least one of the data interfaces 56 and 58also serves as a programming, service and energy supply interface to thecontroller 20. A different number (only one or more than two) of suchdata interfaces 56 and 58 is likewise possible in alternative exemplaryembodiments.

The inner housing 6 also bears two data interfaces 60 and 62 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 2 and 6 ), which are comparable to the data interfaces 56 and 58and which serve for data exchange with the controller 20 and for theenergy supply of the lens main body 1 (i.e., of the controller 20, ofthe lens element drives 9 and of the diaphragm drive 16). Furthermore,the inner housing 6 also has a radio module 64 having a radio antenna,said radio module serving for bidirectional data exchange with externalapparatuses, as redundancy with respect to the data interfaces 56, 58,60, and 62, or for operation with a remote control 66 (see FIG. 12 ),i.e., for directly receiving the radio remote control commands output bythe radio remote control 66. The radio module 64 thus establishes areceiving device for receiving the remote control commands.

The outer housing 30 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 7likewise has a radio module 68, which is comparable to the radio module64 and which fulfils the same tasks as the radio module 64 of the lensmain body 1. In an optional exemplary embodiment, one of the two radiomodules 64 or 66 can be omitted.

Moreover, the outer housing 30 has an identification unit 69 (formed byan electronic circuit). The lens main body 1 also has a comparableidentification unit integrated into the controller. These identificationunits 69 are configured to transmit identification data respectivelyrelated to the lens main body 1 and the outer housing 30, e.g., serialnumbers, focal length range of the lens main body 1, functional scope ofthe outer housing 30, etc. As a result, by way of example, thecontroller 20 can prevent a communication of lens settings if the outerhousing 30—as in FIG. 10 —does not have a display 54. Moreover, it isthereby possible for the outer housing 30 also to be used for aplurality of different lens main bodies 1, which, however, are identicalin terms of dimensions.

Alternatively, the identification units 69 are configured to choose froma plurality of communicated items of information only the items ofinformation which are to be assigned to the respective functions thatare utilizable by the outer housing 30. By way of example, an outerhousing 30 without a display 54 will ignore the information communicatedfor purely being displayed. As a result, a mutual “registration”—alsoreferred to as “handshake”—can be obviated.

In the context of the lens 2 shown in FIG. 10 , the outer housing 30mounted on the inner housing 6 is a remote control housing. The latterhas no rotary rings 50, no display 54 and only the data interface 56. Inthis case, the data interface 56 is configured for coupling to anexternal radio module of a radio remote control (e.g., the remotecontrol 66). Said external radio module serves for wirelessly receivingradio remote control commands and for forwarding them to an externalactuating drive for lenses. In this case, however, the respective radioremote control command is transmitted from the radio module via the datainterface 56—and a translation unit for converting the radio remotecontrol command into the data transmission protocol of the controller20, said translation unit optionally being arranged on the outer housing30—to the controller 20. The lens elements 5 are thus adjusted by thelens element drives 9 in remote control operation as well. In anoptional variant, the signal transmission to the controller 20 iseffected wirelessly via the (internal) radio module 64 arranged on theinner housing 6.

In a further exemplary embodiment (not illustrated), the outer housing30 in accordance with FIGS. 10 and 11 also has the radio module 68 inorder to directly receive the radio remote control commands output bythe radio remote control. In this case, the data interface 56 serves asredundancy and as programming and energy supply interface.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the lens 2 on the film camera 3 in remotecontrol operation by the remote control 66. In this case, the outerhousing 30 corresponds to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . Tosave weight, however, in a further exemplary embodiment, the outerhousing 30 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 can also beused.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a camera module 70 formed with the lens 2 of theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10 . In this case, a housingtermination (or: “housing cap 72”) (assigned to the outer housing 30) isattached to the lens 2 on the image side and forms an image-side housingchamber 74. An image sensor 76 is arranged on the housing cap 72 on theinner side, by which image sensor images that are imaged by the lenselements 5 are detectable.

In summary, a lens main body 1 for a lens 2 is provided, including aninner housing 6, at least one adjustable functional element 7 and 14mounted adjustably on the inner housing 6, a controller 20 arranged onthe inner housing 6, a securing device 32 configured for reversiblyreceiving an outer housing 30 extending around the inner housing 6 in atubular fashion, and a first signal interface 24 for receiving and/ortransmitting signals for or from the controller 20, said first signalinterface being arranged on the inner housing 6, wherein the firstsignal interface 24 is configured for reversibly coupling to a matinginterface 28 of the outer housing 30, wherein the controller 20 has afirst number of functions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lens main body 1 includes atleast one drive 9 and 16 arranged on the inner housing 6 and serves foradjusting the functional element 7 and 14 or at least one of theoptional plurality of functional elements 7 and 14.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional element or at leastone of the optional plurality of functional elements is formed in eachcase by an element chosen from the group of: a lens element 7, adiaphragm 14, a filter, and/or an optical freeform element.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the inner housing 6 encapsulatesthe respective functional element 5, 7, and 14 against contamination.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the securing device 32 includes atoolless holding mechanism.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the securing device 32 includes apositioning aid 40 for the rotational orientation of the outer housing30 relative to the inner housing 6.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning aid 40 isconfigured to predefine a mounting of the outer housing 30 in a first orat least one second predefined orientation, and comprising a secondsignal interface 24, which is arranged on the inner housing 6 and bywhich the mating interface 28 of the outer housing 30 arranged in thesecond predefined orientation is coupled.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first signal interface 24 isembodied as a continuously variable interface, by which the matinginterface 28 of the outer housing 30 is couplable in an arbitraryrotational orientation of the outer housing 30 relative to the innerhousing 6.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 20 is configured tooutput a position variable that is characteristic of an actuatingposition of the or the respective functional element 7 and 14 as afunction.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 20 is configured tooutput and/or to receive identification data as function.

According to an exemplary embodiment that the controller 20 isconfigured to output actuating-position-related lens element data as afunction.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and the optionallypresent second signal interface 24 include electrical contacts.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and the optionallypresent second signal interface 24 are configured for the energy supplyof the outer housing 30.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lens main body 1 includes aradio receiver 64 for receiving remote control commands wirelesslytransmitted separately from the outer housing 30, said radio receiverbeing embodied in addition to the first and the optionally second signalinterface 24.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 20 is configured toexchange dimensionless and/or dimensional information optionally indifferent unit systems, typically in the metric or Anglo-American unitsystem, as a function.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lens main body 1 includes acamera interface 45 for communication with and/or for receiving energyfrom a camera 3 on which the lens (2) is mounted in the intendedoperating state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lens main body 1 includes anenergy supply connection 60 and 62 for receiving energy for theoperation of the drive 9 and 16 and/or of the controller 20 from anexternal energy supply unit.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lens main body 1 includes adata interface 60 and 62 for data exchange with an external apparatus.

In addition, an outer housing 30 for a lens main body 1 includessecuring means 38 configured for reversible securing to the innerhousing 6 of the lens main body 1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 30 includes atleast one rotary ring 50 for adjusting the functional element 7 and 14or at least one of the optional plurality of functional elements 7 and14, wherein the rotary ring 50 is coupled to a rotary position encoder52, and wherein the rotary position encoder 52 is configured forgenerating an actuating command for output to the controller 20 arrangedon the inner housing 6 of the lens main body 1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 30 includes atleast one display 54 for displaying information about the lens 2 formedtogether with the lens main body 1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display 54 is configured fordisplaying the position variable that is characteristic of the actuatingposition of the functional element 7 and 14 or at least one of theoptional plurality of functional elements 7 and 14.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 30 includes areceiving device 68 for receiving remote control commands and comprisinga communicating device for communicating the remote control commands tothe mating interface 28.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 30 includes adata interface 56 and 58 for data exchange with an external apparatus.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 30 includes anidentification unit 69 for identifying the currently connected lens mainbody 1 by the identification data transmitted by the controller 20.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the identification unit 69 isconfigured to process, from a plurality of items of information providedon the part of the controller 20 of the currently connected lens mainbody 1, only a number of items of information corresponding to afunctional scope of the outer housing 30.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 30 includes ahousing termination 72 embodied on the image side with respect to thelens main body 1, and an image sensor 76 arranged in the housingtermination 72.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and the optionallypresent second mating interface 24 are configured for transmittingenergy to the first and respectively second signal interface 24 of thelens main body 1.

In addition, a lens 2 includes a lens main body 1, an outer housing 30,which is reversibly connectable or connected to the inner housing 6 ofthe lens main body 1, and wherein the outer housing 30 is configured forthe utilization of a second number of functions altered vis-à-vis thefirst number of the functions provided by the controller 20.

Further, a lens assembly includes a lens main body 1 and a first and asecond outer housing 30, wherein each of the two outer housings 30 isconfigured in each case for the utilization of a different number of thefunctions provided by the controller 20.

The subject matter of the disclosure is not restricted to the exemplaryembodiments described above. Rather, further embodiments of thedisclosure can be derived from the above description by the personskilled in the art. In particular, the individual features of thedisclosure, and the configuration variants thereof, as described withreference to the various exemplary embodiments, can also be combinedwith one another in some other way.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Lens main body-   2 Lens-   3 Film camera-   4 Optical axis-   5 Lens element-   6 Inner housing-   7 Focus lens element-   8 Double-headed arrow-   9 Lens element drive-   10 Electric motor-   11 Spindle drive-   14 Diaphragm-   16 Diaphragm drive-   18 Coupling-   20 Controller-   21 Printed circuit board-   24 Signal interface-   25 Contact pin-   26 Flange collar-   28 Mating interface-   30 Outer housing-   32 Securing device-   34 Flange collar-   36 Incision-   38 Projection-   39 Bayonet ring-   40 Fitting groove-   42 Projection-   44 Bending springs-   46 Snap-action hooks-   50 Rotary ring-   52 Rotary position encoder-   53 Coding-   54 Display-   56 Data interface-   58 Data interface-   60 Data interface-   62 Data interface-   64 Radio module-   66 Remote control-   68 Radio module-   69 Identification unit-   70 Camera module-   72 Housing cap-   72 Housing chamber-   76 Image sensor

What is claimed is:
 1. A lens main body for a lens, the lens main bodycomprising: an inner housing; the inner housing including a matinginterface configured to reversibly receive an outer housing; at leastone adjustable functional element mounted adjustably on the innerhousing; a controller arranged on the inner housing and having afunction; a securing device configured to reversibly receive the outerhousing, and a signal interface arranged on the inner housing andconfigured to receive and/or transmit signals to or from the controller,and wherein the securing device includes a toolless holding mechanismand a positioning aid for a rotational orientation of the outer housingrelative to the inner housing.
 2. The lens main body according to claim1, further comprising: at least one drive arranged on the inner housingand configured to adjust the at least one adjustable functional element,and wherein the at least one adjustable functional element is a lenselement, a diaphragm, a filter, and/or an optical freeform element. 3.The lens main body according to claim 2, further comprising: an energysupply connection configured to receive energy from an external energysupply to operate the drive and/or of the controller.
 4. The lens mainbody according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing encapsulates the atleast one adjustable functional element against contamination.
 5. Thelens main body according to claim 1, wherein: the positioning aid isconfigured to predefine a mounting of the outer housing in a firstpredefined orientation or in at least one second predefined orientation,and the lens main body further comprises a second signal interfacearranged on the inner housing by which the mating interface of the outerhousing arranged in the second predefined orientation is coupled.
 6. Thelens main body according to claim 1, wherein the first signal interfaceis a continuously variable interface by which the mating interface ofthe outer housing is couplable in an arbitrary rotational orientation ofthe outer housing relative to the inner housing.
 7. The lens main bodyaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: output aposition variable that is characteristic of an actuating position of theat least one adjustable functional element as the function, outputand/or receive identification data as the function, and outputactuating-position-related lens element data as the function.
 8. Thelens main body according to claim 1, wherein: the signal interface is afirst signal interface, the lens main body further includes a secondsignal interface, each of the first and second signal interfaces includeelectrical contacts, and the first and second signal interfaces areconfigured to supply energy to the outer housing.
 9. The lens main bodyaccording to claim 8, further comprising: a radio receiver configured towirelessly receive remote control commands independent from the outerhousing.
 10. The lens main body according to claim 1, wherein thecontroller is configured to exchange dimensionless and/or dimensionalinformation in different unit systems as the function.
 11. The lens mainbody according to claim 1, further comprising: a camera interfaceconfigured to communicate with a camera and/or to receive energy fromthe camera on which the lens is mounted in an operating state.
 12. Thelens main body according to claim 1, further comprising a data interfaceto exchange data with an external apparatus.
 13. An outer housing for alens main body, the outer housing comprising: a securing deviceconfigured to reversibly secure the outer housing to an inner housing ofthe lens main body, the outer housing extending around the inner housingin a tubular fashion, wherein the securing device includes a toollessholding mechanism and a positioning aid for a rotational orientation ofthe outer housing relative to the inner housing.
 14. The outer housingaccording to claim 13, further comprising: at least one rotary ringconfigured to adjust the at least one adjustable functional element,wherein the rotary ring is coupled to a rotary position encoder, andwherein the rotary position encoder is configured to generate anactuating command to be outputted to a controller arranged on the innerhousing of the lens main body.
 15. The outer housing according to claim13, further comprising: at least one display configured to displayinformation about the lens which is formed together with the lens mainbody and a position variable that is characteristic of an actuatingposition of at least one adjustable functional element of the lens mainbody.
 16. The outer housing according to claim 13, further comprising: amating interface; a receiver configured to receive remote controlcommands; a communicating device configured to communicate the remotecontrol commands to the mating interface; and a data interfaceconfigured to exchange data with an external apparatus.
 17. The outerhousing according to claim 16, wherein the mating interface is a firstmating interface, wherein the outer housing further comprises a secondmating interface, and wherein the first and second mating interfaces areconfigured to transmit energy to a first signal interface and a secondsignal interface of the lens main body.
 18. The outer housing accordingto claim 13, further comprising: an identification unit configured to:identify a currently connected lens main body by identification datatransmitted by a controller arranged on the inner housing, and process,from a plurality of items of information provided by the controllerabout the currently connected lens main body, only a subset ofinformation corresponding to a functional scope of the outer housing.19. The outer housing according to claim 13, further comprising: ahousing termination on an image side with respect to the lens main body,and an image sensor arranged in the housing termination.
 20. A lens,comprising: a lens main body; and an outer housing; the lens main bodycomprising: an inner housing; the inner housing including a matinginterface configured to reversibly receive an outer housing; at leastone adjustable functional element mounted adjustably on the innerhousing; a controller arranged on the inner housing and having afunction; a securing device configured to reversibly receive the outerhousing, and a signal interface arranged on the inner housing andconfigured to receive and/or transmit signals to or from the controller;and the outer housing comprising: a securing device configured toreversibly secure the outer housing to an inner housing of the lens mainbody, the outer housing extending around the inner housing in a tubularfashion, wherein the securing device includes a toolless holdingmechanism and a positioning aid for a rotational orientation of theouter housing relative to the inner housing.